Looking to learn more about todays campers

[hickslawns]

Makes me feel real good about the used value of ours. Find the layout you want. Then get obsessed on craigslist, ebay, used dealers, etc. We bought our 2003 model 3 years ago for $8000 after tax and title was paid. $7500 to individual we bought it from then roughly another $500 as I bought some of his camping gear plus the sales tax costs. There are deals out there. What is the cost? You spend a LOT of YOUR time searching for a camper like a junkie looking for his fix.

 

[giles]

We've been looking for a little while now Phil and just started looking like a couple of crack addicts. We started leaning towards new because of my one kids allergies, clean bedding, and the rear BH quads hold the value extremely well. I wish I knew what the banks did with all the repo units... Anyone have any idea?

 

[5Cent]

Good luck Giles. Only concern with 5th wheel is reduced bed space but i know they have a ton of storage built in.

No idea where repos go. Hopefully they blew through the Katrina/FEMA units, as they were everywhere you looked for quite a few years.

Phil, a Laredo is a top of the line unit which is driving the price. Our unit when outfitted and in fiberglass is 2x what we paid/what its worth today.

If you are hesitant Giles, wait for show pricing next Jan/Feb, you will save thousands if you go new.

 

[giles]

The bed space is the only downfall to a 5th wheel IMO. 95% of our camping will be within an hour of home, so that wouldn't be a complete deal breaker. I could always do away with my transfer/tool box also to gain some more space. (I don't use it anymore)

So the Laredo is a good deal at that price?

 

[5Cent]

No idea Giles, all depends on the condition of the unit. Just like a car, each has its own value. Not discounting Phils purchase buy any means, just saying that unless the comparison is the same model and year, its like comparing apples to oranges. No two models are the same from year to year and the add-ons can make a unit worth 5k more just like that.

Just like the 16' Keystone you are looking at. I dont recall seeing that line before. There was a TON of model names obsorbed during the recession when companies were going belly up or its a new line. They used to only be Hornets and Hideouts in the TT sizes of 20-30'.

 

[giles]

Gotcha, thanks again everyone for feedback!

 

[Jackalope]

He said cum covered mattress.

 

[hickslawns]

I'd go with 5 cent. I play used camper leap frog. Current one was 10yrs old and camped in maybe half dozen times. Sounded great. Carpet and interior was immaculate. It left a few issues though. Water heater doesn't work. Furnace has required a thorough cleaning. That stuff isn't designed to be used 2 years and left unused for 8yrs. At least it was winterized.

And one note: we have had one mattress for each camper. When we buy again, we will take our mattress out and put our mattress in the new camper while selling our old camper with the mattress from our "new" camper. Yeah. I've had same thoughts as you Dave. Lol

 

[giles]

I didn't figure I was the only one...lol. I don't mind used in a lot of things, but a mattress...nope! It's gonna be a new one.

 

[giles]

Purchase Order Agreement signed... Wife fell in love with the brand new unit, the rest is history. I'm pretty busy the next week or so, so it'll be a little bit before I will pick it up. I'll get pictures when I actually get it and try to keep up with my review as time goes on. Thanks again for all the input, you guys helped a ton!

 

[giles]

We also saved a ton of money somehow on this unit. We ended up buying it for the same price as they were during the show season. Saved almost $5,000! This was directly because of things said on here. TOO good!

 

[Big_Holla]

Congratulations to you and your wife on the trailer Giles!! Can't wait to see it!

 

[Bigslam51]

Congrats Dave, hope you have fun with it!

 

[giles]

Thanks guys, I hope the kids enjoy it. I can drink beer anywhere, then enjoying the outdoors is what really matters. We've already dedicated it as a "Fly zone" for phones. Time to spend some quality time together.

 

[5Cent]

Congrats on making a decision giles, enjoy!

 

[hickslawns]

Sounds great Dave! Congrats.

 

[giles]

I can't wait to get it out. Just the shopping has brought many smiles and good memories to my family already.

 

[Dustinb80]

Excellent, cant wait to see it. Congrats

 

[DJK Frank 16]

Congrats!

 

[giles]

Bank gave me one number, I went and signed a purchase agreement...sent thy into the bank and they came back $50 a month higher! WTF... Having second thoughts now.